Parmelin’s departure draws praise and criticism across Switzerland

Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin’s decision to step down after 11 years in government has prompted tributes and criticism from political parties and business groups, SRF reports. Parmelin, 66, was praised by many as a pragmatic and reliable politician who helped shape the country over more than a decade.

Political reactions

Parmelin’s Swiss People’s Party, known as the SVP, said it deeply regretted his departure and thanked him for his longstanding service to the country and its people.

The leaders of the Free Democratic Party and the Green Liberal Party also thanked Parmelin. Green Liberal president Jürg Grossen said he had valued working with him on economic, education and innovation issues.

The Centre party said it was not surprised by the decision. Its president, Philipp Matthias Bregy, said Parmelin had remained down-to-earth as a federal councillor, bringing a measure of calm during crises.

The Social Democratic Party offered a mixed assessment. Co-president Cédric Wermuth said too little had been done to make rents affordable and support non-profit housing. He also credited Parmelin with reaching an important compromise with social partners on wage protections in the Bilaterals III negotiations.

The Greens thanked Parmelin for his service but said his term had come to represent what they called a backward-looking conservative policy. They also criticised his free-trade policy and what they described as an overly accommodating approach to the United States through deals they considered questionable for democracy.

Business groups praise his record

Monika Rühl, director of the business association Economiesuisse, said she regretted Parmelin’s decision and praised his work to strengthen Switzerland as a business location. She said his leadership had helped secure several free-trade agreements important to the country’s export economy.

Swissmem, the association representing Switzerland’s technology industry, said Parmelin had promoted free trade, good relations with the European Union and less bureaucracy. It also praised his handling of difficult relations with the United States.

The Swiss Trade Association cited his record on economic policy, while the employers’ association thanked him for his work on behalf of the country, including on vocational training, the labour market and cooperation between employers and employees.